HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015 10-14 Preliminary city budgets, levies set MAPLEWOOD REVIEW2/19/2016 Preliminary city budgets, levies set I Lillie Suburban Newspapers - LillieNews.com
Preliminary city budgets,
levies set
Submitted by admin1 on Wed, 10/14/2015 - 9:39am
By: Erin Hinrichs
Gearing up for a new year, both Maplewood and North St. Paul city councils have reviewed and approved a proposed
general fund budget and tax levies for the 2016 fiscal year.
City staff began working on 2016 budgets months ago, factoring in big -picture goals outlined in comprehensive city
documents like the Capital Improvement Plan and Strategic Plan.
While these figures won't be finalized until December, residents can expectto see an increase in the city portion of their
property taxes, which can be attributed to a combination of increased property values and specific investments earmarked by
each city.
North St. Paul
The preliminary 2016 general fund budget for the city of North St. Paul is $6,916,383, a 2.75 percent increase over the 2015
budget. The general property tax levy and the debt service levy combined total is $3,934,608, just shy of a 13 percent
increase.
The city identified a need for additional funds to be allocated toward street maintenance and park improvements. This
includes an additional $100,000 in street funds thatwill help close a gap in scheduled street maintenance projects, and an
additional $50,000 to help support the city's Park Improvement Plan.
The city's projected marketvalue of $777,366,000 and taxing capacity of $517,944 increased over the currentyear due to
rising residential values. Commercial property value increases are projected to be minimal.
For owners of a $157,500 median marketvalue single-family home in North St. Paul, the annual city property tax would
increase by nearly $70, for an annual tax of $509. Commercial property owners atthe median value would see a $15
increase, for an annual tax of $2,389.
Community conversations about the vision for revitalizing the downtown area are ongoing, with feasibility and design work
projected to take place in 2016 and 2017. Council members directed staff to continue discussing ideas and concerns with
residents and business owners.
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Maplewood
The preliminary 2016 operating budget for the city of Maplewood is $35,469,130, a 2.3 percent increase over the 2015
budget. The city tax levy and the EDA levy combined total is $19,751,270, a 4 percent increase over 2015.
General fund requests for 2016 in the general fund came in $533,990 over the 2015 budget, with a majority tied to personnel
services. Union contracts are one of the reasons for this increase. Other requests included additional full-time staff for the Fire
Department, more overtime for the Police Department to provide more targeted policing services and train officers as first
responders, and a new communications position.
Based on Ramsey County property value projections, a median valued home in Maplewood is estimated to increase in value
by 1.9 percent, from $187,300 to $190,800. This equates to $818 in annual city property taxes, a $28 increase over 2015.
As part of the 2016 budget discussion, council members requested a summary of the Community Center deficit. In 2014 the
total cash deficit by year's end totaled $285,502.
Next steps
North St. Paul will hold an informal open house on the proposed 2016 levy and budget Nov. 18, with a formal truth -in -taxation
public hearing to follow Dec. 1. Likewise, Maplewood will hold a public hearing Dec. 14 as part of the regular council
meeting.
Meanwhile, the North -St. Paul -Maplewood -Oakdale School Board has also approved a maximum levy of $41,339,197 for
2016. In addition, a proposed school referendum will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot, addressing technology and student funding
needs. These proposed increases would add about $348 per year to a typical homeowner's property -tax bill.
Erin Hinrichs can be reached at 651-748-7814 and ehinrichs@lillienews.com. Follow her at twitter.com/EHinrichsNews.
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